Gurpreet Singh :- In a major development in a high-profile corruption and narcotics-related case, the Punjab Government has granted sanction to prosecute DIG Inderbir Singh under charges linked to corruption and violations of the NDPS Act. The cases, registered in 2022 in Tarn Taran, have already reached the stage of trial, with charge sheets submitted before the court of the Additional Sessions Judge.
The move clears the way for formal court proceedings to begin shortly, given the seriousness of the allegations and the completion of initial investigations.
A key turning point in the case is the role of DSP Lakhbir Singh Sandhu, who has now turned an approver and is expected to testify as a prosecution witness. Sandhu, who was earlier under suspension, has reportedly been reinstated and will play a crucial role in strengthening the prosecution’s case.
The origins of the case trace back to a complaint filed in 2022 by then CIA Staff Patti in-charge, Sub-Inspector Baljinder Singh Bajwa, who alleged that DSP Sandhu had extorted approximately ₹23 lakh from him under the threat of implicating him in an NDPS case. During the course of the investigation, the name of a close aide of DIG Inderbir Singh also surfaced, with claims that the money was being collected on behalf of the senior officer.
In a separate but related case registered at Bhikhiwind police station the same year, allegations emerged that a sum of around ₹12 lakh was demanded from a drug smuggler in exchange for relief in a case involving the recovery of 900 grams of opium. Authorities had reportedly recovered a significant portion of the alleged bribe amount during the investigation.
Following his arrest, DSP Sandhu is said to have disclosed that the money collected in both cases was allegedly routed at the behest of DIG Inderbir Singh. His statements have now become central to the prosecution’s case.
Given the gravity of the charges and their implications for the police establishment, the case is expected to be closely watched as it proceeds through the judicial system.
